Human behavior change is needed to stop the triple planetary crisis. Zoos reach millions of people every year and there is evidence available that people do change their behavior because of zoo led interventions. Designing interventions with behavior change frameworks in mind can increase the efficacy of interventions. The Behavior Change Wheel is a guide for describing, designing and evaluating behavior change strategies, rooted in the COM-B model. It can be used for retrospective assessment of existing interventions. Here we present a content analysis of websites of members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). We classified behavior change projects in relation to categories on the Behavior Change Wheel including Intervention Function and Policy Category. A total of 754 behavior change projects were identified and analyzed, resulting in 1650 Intervention Function and 1154 Policy Category codes. Persuasion (n = 450) and Education (n = 289) were the most frequently identified Intervention Functions. Communication/marketing (n = 515, 68.30%), was the most frequently used Policy Category. Zoos themselves were most often the agents of behavior change and projects most frequently targeted the general public. Most projects used multiple intervention functions in conjunction with each other, with only 12.73% (n = 210) of Intervention Functions occurring on their own. Combining Intervention Functions has positive implications for intervention effectiveness, but barriers to effectiveness such as limited project targets were identified. Developing behavior change projects in zoos with behavior change frameworks in mind would likely further increase the effectiveness of these projects.

Abstract Urbanisation poses a major threat to biodiversity, yet residential gardens offer opportunities to provide key habitats for urban wildlife. Understanding both the perceived feasibility of implementing further improvements to gardens for biodiversity and the barriers that constrain engagement is essential for designing effective conservation interventions. This study uses a questionnaire survey of 231 householders in Great Britain to assess the likelihood of adding 10 wildlife‐friendly garden features and to identify perceived barriers using a behaviour change framework which considers capability (C), opportunity (O) and motivation (M) as determinants of behaviour (B) (COM‐B model) Within a sample of gardens, in which most already contained at least one wildlife‐friendly feature, the overall odds of respondents implementing further improvements were low, indicating a 37.5% probability of engagement. Wildflower patches were the only feature rated as more likely than unlikely to be implemented, while compost heaps and ponds were the least likely. All COM‐B barrier subgroups significantly reduced the likelihood of engagement, with physical opportunity constraints (67.9%), particularly a lack of space, and psychological capability (20.5%) being the most prevalent, followed by social opportunity (6.2%) and physical capability (5.4%). Younger respondents and those from more socio‐economically deprived areas reported more barriers. Given that many surveyed gardens already contained wildlife‐enhancing elements, limited space, the level of effort required, associated costs and existing knowledge were key obstacles to further improving gardens for biodiversity, even among a potentially conservation‐aware group. Our findings indicate that the presence of existing conservation efforts does not necessarily predict householders' engagement with additional biodiversity interventions. Individuals report substantial barriers to engagement; therefore, we recommend that conservation non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) coordinate efforts that target higher‐level stakeholders, enabling resources to be reallocated towards addressing barriers through top‐down policy change. Policy‐led interventions have the potential to overcome barriers to individual householder engagement, thereby improving biodiversity outcomes at a broader spatial scale. Applying these insights in policy and practice could enhance urban gardens as key contributors to biodiversity conservation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Goiter or thyroid enlargement has been frequently reported at postmortem examination in Eastern bongos (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci). It has been hypothesized that associated thyroid hormone disturbance may be a cause of poor reproductive performance in captive bongos, but thyroid histology or hormone analysis are rarely described. Thyroid glands from 39 individuals within the European captive population were examined grossly, with goiter observed in 64.1% (n = 25) of individuals, of which 96.0% (24/25) had multinodular lesions. Older animals were significantly more likely to develop goiter (P = 0.004), with goiter present in individuals from 6 yrs of age. There was no correlation between the presence of goiter and reproductive success or body condition. Thyroid glands from 16 bongos were examined histologically by a board-certified veterinary pathologist. Histologic lesions were identified in all 16 samples and included giant colloid follicles (100.0%), interstitial fibrosis (93.8%), hyperplastic collapsed follicles (75.0%), papillary fronds (62.5%), inflammation (25.0%), and mineralization (12.5%). No neoplasia was found. Multinodular colloid goiter appears to be the most common thyroid lesion within the European Eastern bongo population. Serum samples collected within 30 d prior to death were available for 25/39 animals, both with and without goiter. Total triiodothyronine (tT3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and total thyroxine (tT4) concentrations were validated and analyzed by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay using bovine ELISA kits. No thyroid hormone levels correlated to goiter presence. Findings suggest that although highly prevalent, colloid goiter is euthyroid and does not impact on reproductive success or body condition in Eastern bongos. The cause of goiter in this species remains unknown.

Urban greenspace provides important conservation, climatic and social benefits. The importance of greenspace is reflected in its inclusion in global initiatives such as the Kunming Montral Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes a target to increase the area of cities that is classified as greenspace. Zoological collections are increasingly recognised as multifunctional greenspaces, but their contribution to greenspace has not been examined in spatially explicit terms. Here we digitised the boundaries of 208 European zoological collections across 163 Functional Urban Areas to assess the proportion of functional urban areas that are covered by zoos. Using the Urban Atlas, we also assess the proportion of green urban areas within functional urban areas that are covered by zoos and seek to understand how zoos are classified in land use/land cover data. We demonstrate that on average, zoos occupy a small proportion of functional urban areas and identify geographic variation that is likely driven by the historical development of zoos in these countries. A larger, but still small proportion of green urban areas within functional urban areas are covered by zoos. As individual greenspaces, zoos are on average significantly larger than other individual green urban areas. Whilst these findings suggest a limited spatial contribution to greenspace, zoos may make a disproportionate functional contribution through their conservation, education and wellbeing roles. Inconsistencies in how zoos are classified in land use/land cover data were identified. Whilst the mixed classes seen most frequently reflect true heterogeneity in zoo landscapes, they contradict established definitions and mapping guidelines, which has implications for effective monitoring of progress towards global biodiversity targets.

Despite the societal benefits that roads provide, they have significant negative impacts on biodiversity, particularly through wildlife-vehicle collisions, which can also pose serious risks to the people involved in these accidents. To reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, various mitigation measures have been implemented. Wildlife crossing signs (WCSs) are the most widely adopted due to their low cost and ease of maintenance, though their effectiveness remains a topic of debate. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of different WCSs in preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions by analyzing their impact on vehicle speed reduction. We examined four types of signs: educational, risk-oriented, standard, and control signs, along the BR-262 highway in Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil), known for its high wildlife-vehicle collision rates. Vehicle speed was collected from different vehicle categories, and at different distances before and after the signs, across different times of the day. We found that only the risk-oriented signs were associated with a decrease in speed, although this effect was minimal. Furthermore, vehicles tended to regain their speed shortly after passing the signs, sometimes even exceeding previous speeds. These findings highlight the limited effectiveness of WCSs in reducing vehicle speeds. It underscores the importance of implementing additional mitigation strategies beyond signage to effectively prevent wildlife collisions.

In January 2023 we proposed the Zoo Sphere of Influence, a new model to represent the value of zoos/aquariums for species and society. This model set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos/aquariums as fulfilling only the objectives of conservation, education, research, and recreation, and instead demonstrate the broad range of impacts zoos/aquariums have for species and society. The Zoo Sphere of Influence Model considers zoos/aquariums working at different scales (from local to international) and acknowledges a wide range of areas that they work. In addition to a visual representation of the value of zoos/aquariums, the initial paper proposed a proof-of-concept evaluation matrix that they could use to self-assess impact. Over a fifteen-month period, we trialled and developed the proposed model and assessment matrix through a global consultation and piloting process (this included piloting at 12 zoos, 5 international workshops/demos and a feedback survey that ran for 7 months). We have updated the model to include new sections on Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities (IP & LCs); Sustainability; and Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI). We have additionally updated the assessment criteria to incorporate key zoo/aquarium documents and have added a Core Values section reflecting the fundamental standards conservation zoos/aquariums should be fulfilling. This paper presents the updated version of the Zoo Sphere of Influence. We hope that the model will help zoos/ aquariums achieve the highest possible standard of practice and provide a means of recognising and celebrating these achievements.

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O Pantanal, maior área úmida tropical do planeta, destaca-se pela predominância da pecuária extensiva como sua principal atividade econômica. O uso do fogo representa ferramenta importante nesse manejo, empregado para renovar pastagens, controlar parasitas e limpar a vegetação. Contudo, entre 2019 e 2020, o bioma enfrentou um aumento alarmante de incêndios, causando danos significativos ao ecossistema, serviços ambientais e tendo substanciais repercussões socioeconômicas. Além da seca, práticas inadequadas de manejo do fogo na pecuária são apontadas como contribuintes para essa situação preocupante. Devido à predominância de propriedades privadas utilizadas para pecuária, compreender as percepções dos pecuaristas sobre o fogo se revela crucial para desenvolver ações de conservação mais efetivas e socialmente justas no ecossistema. Este estudo investigou nuances do uso e manejo do fogo por pecuaristas nas 11 sub-regiões do Pantanal Brasileiro. Entre dezembro de 2021 e março de 2022, foram conduzidas 70 entrevistas semiestruturadas com indivíduos associados à atividade pecuária, de forma presencial e por telefone. Os resultados revelam que, apesar de empregarem o fogo há séculos, atualmente a maior parte dos pecuaristas têm uma visão predominantemente negativa devido aos prejuízos recentes. Pecuaristas tradicionais e recentes diferem em relação à percepção sobre estratégias e momentos considerados apropriados para o uso do fogo. Críticas foram feitas às mudanças recentes no uso da terra, especialmente devido a restrições ambientais, considerando-as facilitadoras do acúmulo de combustível para incêndios. Os entrevistados relataram dúvidas e confusão em relação à legislação que regulamenta o uso do fogo no bioma. Esses resultados apontam a necessidade de ações para aprimorar a compreensão das regulamentações e envolver os pecuaristas no diálogo sobre uma gestão realista do fogo, considerando tanto a conservação da biodiversidade quanto o contexto sociocultural da região.

Abstract Overharvesting of wildlife for trade is a key driver of biodiversity loss. Messaging that is aligned with people's values could play a significant role in reducing this impact through behaviour change. Using an online survey, we sought to gauge the willingness among bird hobbyists, breeders, and song contestants to change their bird‐keeping behaviours, and to identify barriers to such change. We then evaluated the persuasiveness of various messages that potentially align with people's values (e.g. addressing conservation, cultural and health considerations), each framed as positive or negative, and with outcomes involving a move to commercially bred birds or cessation of purchasing wild‐caught birds. We identified a degree of plasticity in behaviour, with most respondents perceiving the keeping of wild‐caught birds to be a conservation problem, and a majority claiming they would attempt to breed birds in the future. However, while most respondents acknowledged the illegality of both buying and catching wild birds, they also recognised that most birds in markets are wild‐caught because they are easier and cheaper to source than captive‐bred birds. Messages about the damage done by over‐exploitation to wild bird populations, to the future of bird‐keeping itself, and about the benefits of keeping captive‐bred over wild‐caught birds, were most effective. Messages about generational, legal and especially health concerns appeared to gain little traction. The persuasiveness of these messages varied little across bird‐keeping groups, but age‐ and user‐groups differed in their most trusted sources of information and the media they consulted. Our results suggest that appealing to people's concern over the intrinsic value of wildlife or the relational value of cultural heritage might be more effective at shifting demand for wildlife products than more instrumental or utilitarian considerations. Effective messaging should focus on the negative impacts of over‐exploitation on Indonesia's wildlife and/or national heritage, and on the positive aspects of sustainable captive‐bred alternatives, and be transmitted via multiple media, including local and faith leaders (choice varying geographically), to maximise outreach to the diverse bird‐keeping community. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Zoos and aquariums are well placed to connect visitors with the issues facing biodiversity globally and many deliver interventions that seek to influence visitors' beliefs and behaviors with respect to conservation. However, despite primary studies evaluating the effect of such interventions, the overall effect of engaging with zoos and the factors that influence this effect remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of zoo-led interventions on knowledge, beliefs (attitudes, intentions, self-efficacy, and social norms), and behavior among zoo visitors. These outcomes were identified using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical lens. We identified and described the nature of zoo-led interventions in 56 studies and used the behavior change technique (BCT) taxonomy to identify 6 specific BCTs used in interventions to date. Multilevel meta-analyses revealed a small to medium positive effect of engaging with zoo-led interventions on outcomes (d+ = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.28-0.51). Specifically, visitors were more knowledgeable about conservation issues, held more favorable attitudes toward conservation, and reported being more likely to act for the benefit of biodiversity. No evidence of publication bias was present. Effect sizes were, however, heterogeneous and subgroup analyses revealed that the nature of the intervention or type of outcome did not explain this variance. Larger effects were, however, found in studies conducted at a single institution relative to research at multiple institutions and studies that used within-participant designs relative to between-participant designs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how behavior change frameworks can be used to describe zoo-led interventions and supports the assertion that zoos and aquariums can promote changes in beliefs and behaviors that may help protect biodiversity.

In the past few decades, zoos have undergone a transformation from places of entertainment to centers for conservation, with education becoming a particular focus. Interpretation in zoos is a near-universal method for delivering education in zoos and has been shown to prompt learning and pro-conservation behavior change. However, there is limited understanding on how interpretation design itself can influence visitor engagement. Using unobtrusive visitor observations (n = 3890), this study measures visitor engagement of multiple pieces of interpretation with various design "traits," to provide a comprehensive overview of the key traits related to increased visitor engagement. The proportion of visitors who stopped at the interpretation (attraction power), and how long they stopped for (holding power), were our two outcome variables. From our models, we found that attraction and holding power are most strongly influenced by the type of interpretation, with interactive interpretation seeing nearly four times as many visitors stop, and for more than six times longer, when compared to standard text and graphics interpretation. We also found that location was significantly related to attraction power, with visitors more likely to stop at interpretation in more immersive exhibits. Lastly, interpretation containing images of humans were related to a higher holding power. We hope our findings will be used as a guide for designing interpretation that is both attractive and interesting to zoo visitors, maximizing the conservation education value of zoo-based interpretation.

Amyloidosis is frequently identified during postmortem examination of captive eastern bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). However, its significance and etiopathogenesis are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of amyloidosis within this population and identify potential predictive factors for the presence of disease. Postmortem reports obtained from 24 EEP institutions were analyzed and assessed for evidence of amyloidosis. Seventy-two individuals had histopathological assessment performed after gross postmortem examination and were included in the study. Further histopathological analysis was performed on Congo red-stained slides from 26 individuals, and organ predilection sites were identified. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in six individuals to identify the type of amyloid present. Serum amyloid A (SAA) analysis was performed on blood samples from 34 individuals, and concentrations in affected and unaffected individuals were compared. Amyloidosis was reported in 26 animals (36%). The association between the presence of amyloidosis and sex, age, or body condition was not statistically significant. However, amyloidosis was not identified in any individuals under the age of 6 yr. The presence of chronic inflammatory conditions was the only statistically significant predictive factor for the presence of amyloidosis (P = 0.03). Chronic inflammatory conditions present included nephritis, enteritis, and pneumonia. The majority of affected animals presented with amyloid deposition in multiple organs, with the liver and kidneys being most commonly affected. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of AA amyloid. The association between the presence of amyloidosis and SAA values measured on a single occasion was not statistically significant. This study identified a high prevalence of amyloidosis within the captive European eastern bongo population associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Antemortem diagnosis of amyloidosis remains challenging, and this study indicates that SAA protein concentrations are not a reliable indicator for the presence of amyloidosis.

It is now well established that human-induced species extinctions and habitat degradation are currently occurring at unprecedented rates. To halt and reverse this decline, the international community adopted the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as part of the Kunming–Montreal Biodiversity Package, in December 2022. We clarify what this new framework means for conservation zoos and aquariums in their mission to prevent species extinction by highlighting areas of focus. We explain why it is necessary that conservation zoos and aquariums establish the appropriate mechanisms for contributing towards such a framework to help validate their role in the 21st Century. Conservation zoos and aquariums should be reassured that much of their work already fits within the GBF. However, the current mechanisms for individual zoos and aquariums to directly contribute to the implementation of the GBF mostly rely on close collaboration with individual national governments and/or are only possible at a national level. It is therefore critical that national, regional, and global zoo membership organisations take a leading role in championing the work of their members. Equally, adequately linking the efforts of zoos and aquariums to the national implementation of international instruments, such as the GBF, is imperative to ensure that these organizations’ contributions feed into the understanding we have of global progress towards the implementation of international instruments.

Zoos and aquaria were founded in a world fundamentally different from today, and yet, the need for such conservation organisations could not be stronger. We are currently in a climate and biodiversity crisis, with unprecedented species loss, exacerbated by human actions. The mission of many conservation zoos is to prevent such extinctions through integrated species conservation actions. The role of zoos has historically been categorised as fitting within the four pillars of conservation, education, research, and recreation. These ‘pillars’ no longer align with present day conservation zoos which provide a vast spectrum of services for species and society. However, in the absence of a new model, the value of zoos has been underestimated and under-supported. We propose a new model and assessment framework for viewing conservation zoos, with the zoo at the centre of a web of conservation and societal activities. We acknowledge zoos' potential as conservation hubs able to provide advice and skills to communities and policy makers. We also reflect on the criticisms and conservation challenges faced by zoos which may prevent them fulfilling their full potential and how these might impact their future role.

Abstract Demand for cage birds is highly prevalent and increasing across Indonesia, as wild bird populations across Asia decline. To find ways to reduce demand, it is important to understand the motivations and psychographic drivers to keep (or not keep) birds, and how demographic characteristics and public attitudes influence such decisions. Based on surveys with over 3,000 people, we found few people citing health, sanitary, or welfare concerns as reasons for not keeping birds, whereas most people started keeping birds to enjoy their beauty or song, or to keep up with peers. Pet‐keepers (“Hobbyists”) commonly started doing so opportunistically; song contest participants (“Contestants”) and breeders and trainers (“Breeders”) did so for financial gain. Bird‐keepers and non‐bird‐keepers disagreed on birds' environmental importance, longevity in captivity, and endangerment by trade. Older respondents were less concerned that keeping birds endangers them and few felt birds to be an important part of the environment. Hobbyists were least likely to consider wild bird population health a major concern. Efforts to dissuade potential bird‐keepers should focus on public concern for the environment and the threat bird‐keeping poses to wild populations. The importance of peer pressure among bird‐keepers presents an opportunity to promote sustainable bird‐keeping activities among key groups.

One Health is increasingly being used as a tool in ecosystem protection. The Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) is working to address One Health concerns in Pongo spp. (orangutan) welfare and conservation. Orangutans are vital contributors to the ecosystem health of their range areas. Strengthening national capacity is crucial to make a lasting difference in the currently bleak outlook for orangutan species survival. OVAG is a capacity strengthening and expertise network that brings together all those working with orangutans, in- and ex-situ, to share knowledge, skills, and to collectively learn. Using the One Health paradigm embedded to enhance professional development, the OVAG network is successfully supporting conservation outcomes and impact. As part of our adaptive management approach, and to assess individual and organizational change attributable to the capacity strengthening work of OVAG, we evaluated technical skill test data, program satisfaction data, and asked participants to complete a self-reflective survey. This pilot study of our work demonstrates statistically significant improvements in conservation medicine (t = 5.481, p < 0.0001) and wildlife clinical skills knowledge (t = 3.923, p < 0.001) for those in the OVAG program. Most consider OVAG participation to be either critical or very useful in their conservation medicine decision-making process, with a perceived positive impact on their skills at handling multiple situations. Additionally, participant feedback shows a sense of being able to drive positive change locally and nationally (within their own countries) as a consequence of OVAG participation. The authors hope the OVAG model including its associated capacity support mechanisms and pedagogical approaches can be used as a template for other One Health efforts.

Abstract Over 70 million cage‐birds are kept across 12 million households on the island of Java, Indonesia, fuelling serious concerns for the health of regional wild bird populations. Understanding the behaviours, preferences and demographic profiles of bird‐keepers will guide attempts to reduce demand for wild birds and hence the impact of trade on wild populations and their host ecosystems. We profile three songbird‐keeping user‐groups based on interviews of nearly one thousand people across Java: hobbyists, who own birds primarily as pets; contestants, who own birds to enter in singing contests; and breeders, who own birds to breed and train for resale or as a pastime. User‐groups diverged in their bird‐keeping habits and preferences. Hobbyists tended to own small numbers of inexpensive and typically native birds, while contestants and breeders owned larger numbers of often valuable birds. Hobbyists were far less likely to consider origin when buying a bird, owned a larger proportion of both potentially wild‐caught and globally threatened birds, but showed no preference for any taxon. By contrast, owning relatively large numbers of lovebirds Agapornis spp. and Zebra Doves Geopelia striata were key characteristics of contestants, while breeders owned the largest number of birds and species, in particular White‐rumped Shamas Kittacincla malabarica. Within a 2‐year period, user‐group membership was fluid, with much transitioning between non‐bird ownership and hobbyists, recruitment of non‐bird owners to contestants and movement both in and out of the breeder group. Our study provides behavioural change efforts with demographic and geographic profiles to target bird‐keepers, who tended to be more affluent and urban and to live in the eastern provinces. Among bird‐keepers, hobbyists tended to be middle‐aged and lived in the western provinces, contestants were younger urban bird‐keepers employed in business and breeders were commoner in the eastern provinces, reflecting the cultural importance of bird‐keeping among the Javanese. Efforts to increase the sustainability of bird‐keeping in Java should focus on emphasizing the importance of captive‐bred birds, in particular to hobbyists, the largest user‐group, whose bird‐keeping behaviour poses the biggest threat to wild bird populations, whilst also incentivizing legitimate breeding enterprises among contestants and breeders.

In 2020 the Convention on Biological Diversity will deliver the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The promotion of conservation and biodiversity knowledge will form at least one of the targets set out in this framework. According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) zoos and aquariums receive around 700 million annual visits, making them well placed to contribute towards these targets. The scope of the field of zoo and aquarium education research has greatly increased over recent years demonstrating the educational value of visits. This study evaluated the impact of an in-school repeat-engagement zoo education programme provided by the Safari Rangers of Chester Zoo, UK. A pre- and post-programme survey design was used to measure conservation understanding, knowledge of pro-conservation behaviours and conservation attitudes. In total, 445 students from seven participating schools were surveyed. The results show an increase in both conservation understanding and in knowledge of pro-conservation behaviour between the pre- and post-programme surveys. Participating students showed an aggregate increase of 60.5% in their conservation understanding, and a 24% increase in their knowledge of pro-conservation behaviours. Those surveyed also demonstrated a positive change in attitude towards conservation self-efficacy. This study demonstrates that repeat-engagement in-school zoo-education programmes can successfully deliver desired learning outcomes, adding to the body of evidence that demonstrates the valuable role that zoos can play in raising the level of conservation knowledge amongst school-aged children.